The Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) NHIP is a treatment option which provides the convenience of home care with the quality of professional support.
This section will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the NHIP, including:
- Am I eligible for this program based on my medical and pharmaceutical insurance coverage?
- According to my disease state, am I a candidate for this program?
- What are the main benefits of the Sandostatin® LAR Depot Nurse Home Injection Program?
- Is flexible scheduling available?
- How is my nurse selected?
- How does my Sandostatin® LAR Depot get to my home?
- Will I still see my physician regularly?
- Does this involve a lot of paperwork on my part?
Getting started
Q: Am I eligible for this program based on my medical and pharmaceutical insurance coverage?
A: The Sandostatin® LAR Depot NHIP is intended for all eligible acromegaly patients for whom Sandostatin® LAR Depot has been prescribed. Residents of all states except Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and Rhode Island can participate. Currently, reimbursement for home injections is provided to members of most commercial plans (eg, HMO, PPO). Patients with government-provided medical insurance (eg, Medicare Parts B and D, or Medicaid) are not covered at this time. Eligibility can be determined by calling BioScrip®, the company that coordinates this program on behalf of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Anyone can call 1-888-LAR-4759 (1-888-527-4759) for confirmation of eligibility.
Q: According to my disease state, am I a candidate for this program?
A: This program is for patients with acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome. If the patient has been prescribed Sandostatin® LAR Depot for the first time, the initial dose of therapy must be given in a physician's office or clinic. Further evaluation of each patient's disease state and comorbidities may determine whether or not the patient is a candidate. Those who receive Sandostatin® LAR Depot for other conditions are not eligible at this time. If the patient has an approved insurance plan and qualifies, enrollment is easy. Call 1-888-LAR-4759 (1-888-527-4759) to enroll.
Getting comfortable
Q: What are the main benefits of the Sandostatin® LAR Depot NHIP?
A: The NHIP provides appropriately and conveniently delivered therapy.
- You have the assurance of knowing that a specially trained registered nurse will come to your home to administer Sandostatin® LAR Depot
The NHIP offers nursing evaluation and follow-up
- Provides ample time for nurses to answer questions
- The nurse reports to the patient's physician after each visit
- The nurse makes the next appointment and will follow-up with a reminder
Q: Is flexible scheduling available?
A: Incorporating Sandostatin® LAR Depot into your schedule is easy. This program enables patients to receive therapy beyond the traditional office hours if necessary. Evenings and weekends may be possible too, or even when you are traveling out of town.
Q: How is my nurse selected?
A: Specially trained registered nurses are selected by the NHIP to administer injections in the home. All nurses are fully knowledgeable about acromegaly, the prescribing information for Sandostatin® LAR Depot, and the mixing and injection process. All nurses in the program are continuously monitored by Nurse Coordinators at the NHIP and are in regular contact with the prescribing physician.
Q: How does my Sandostatin® LAR Depot get to my home?
A: Patients may continue to get their prescriptions for Sandostatin® LAR Depot in their current manner. Insurance coverage for the drug is independent of coverage eligibility for home injections. Depending on a patient's pharmacy coverage, the drug may be shipped to the patient's home or local pharmacy for pickup. These details can be worked out with an NHIP Case Coordinator.
NOTE: Sandostatin® LAR Depot must be refrigerated immediately upon receipt and until use.
Q: Will I still see my physician regularly?
A: Yes. Physician evaluation and biochemical testing will still occur at appropriate intervals as directed by your doctor. Many patients with acromegaly are tested every 3 months and some are evaluated every 6 months. Patients will still adhere to the office schedule directed by their physicians. The only difference is that monthly injections will be administered at home. Schedules are planned according to nursing orders from the physician.
Q: Does this involve a lot of paperwork on my part?
A: No. The enrollment form, which you can download here, will be filled out at the physician's office, signed by the patient, and faxed to the NHIP. Most of the communication after this takes place by phone. The Nurse Coordinator calls patients for interviews and assessments prior to the first visit. All scheduling is done by the nurses and is communicated to the scheduler at the NHIP.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Sandostatin® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) is a prescription medicine indicated for patients in whom initial treatment with immediate release Sandostatin® (octreotide acetate) Injection has been shown to be effective and tolerated for:
- Long-term maintenance therapy in acromegalic patients who have had inadequate response to surgery and/or radiotherapy or for whom surgery and/or radiotherapy is not an option (the goal of treatment in acromegaly is to reduce GH and IGF-1 levels to normal).
- Long-term treatment of the severe diarrhea and flushing episodes associated with metastatic carcinoid tumors.
- Long-term treatment of the profuse watery diarrhea associated with VIP-secreting tumors
In patients with carcinoid syndrome and VIPomas, the effect of Sandostatin Injection and Sandostatin LAR Depot on tumor size, rate of growth and development of metastases has not been determined.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Warnings and precautions: Treatment with Sandostatin LAR Depot may affect gallbladder function, sugar metabolism, thyroid and heart function, and nutritional absorption, which may require monitoring by your doctor.
Before taking Sandostatin LAR Depot: Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or are taking other medications, including: cyclosporine, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, beta-blockers, and bromocriptine.
Common side effects: Most patients experience side effects at some time. Some common side effects you may experience include:
- Acromegaly: diarrhea, gallstones, abdominal pain, and flatulence
- Carcinoid tumors: back pain, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness
Other information: Patients with carcinoids tumors and VIPomas should adhere closely to their scheduled return visits for reinjection in order to minimize exacerbation of symptoms. Patients with acromegaly should adhere to their return visit schedule to help assure steady control of GH and IGF-1 levels.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
